By Angela Bitter Comm 165 A.K.A. “Internet Etiquette”

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS NETIQUETTE?  NETIQUETTE DEFINITION: Using technology effectively to communicate with others both personally and professionally with knowledge, understanding and courtesy. NETIQUETTE DEFINITION NETIQUETTE DEFINITION Judith Martin (Miss Manners)

DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS Did you know?  Typing in all caps is considered YELLING or SCREAMING on-line!!  Those who type in all caps are perceived as lazy and inconsiderate of those who will be reading their e.mail.  Reading text IN ALL CAPS IS MORE DIFFICULT AND TAKES LONGER.

DON’T USE COLORED TEXT OR BACKGROUNDS  Colored text and format choices make e.mails difficult to read.  Creative formatting may force the reader to convert the text before they can reply.  Large graphics may be too time-consuming to download…therefore, you may end up in the trash can.

USE BLIND CARBON COPY  Don’t be considered a Newbie or Novice…when sending e.mail to large groups of people, use BCC to eliminate long address lists.  Sending others’ e.mail addresses is a violation of privacy!  Never give out phone numbers or personal information.

THE “FORWARD” PLEDGE  “I will not forward any dumb joke, “chain letter” or unimportant e.mail to my friends without permission.”  “I understand that by doing so I may fill up their inbox, use other’s resources unnecessarily, and may cause other important e.mail to bounce.”  “I understand that most folks have seen these e.mails a million times and find them annoying.”  “I know that by forwarding these so- called humorous e.mails, I may offend or tick-off people who do not share my sense of humor.” Please raise your right hand and repeat after me…

USE RETURN RECEIPT REQUEST SPARINGLY  RR’s should be reserved for critical issues, such as legal or business.  Keep in mind that “opened” e.mail doesn’t necessarily mean “read” e.mail.

DO NOT RESPOND TO OFFENSIVE S  Like mother told us…  If you do not have anything nice to say…don’t say anything at all!

DO NOT FORWARD VIRUS WARNINGS  Forwarded warnings from friends are usually hoaxes.  If in doubt, check the Symantec’s Virus Hoax Page.  Always delete, especially if you’re told to forward it to everyone you know.  Depend only on your own virus software to give you the scoop.

DO NOT POST OR FORWARD PRIVATE S  Always remember that all private e.mails are copyrighted by the original author.  Always ask permission first!!!!

ALWAYS MINIMIZE, COMPRESS OR “ZIP” LARGE FILES  Some files are so large that other e.mail will bounce!  Compress anything over 200,000 bytes (files can be viewed in Internet Explorer by right clicking on the file name and choosing Properties.  Don’t send unannounced large attachments to others because you think a photo is cute or cool.  Only send business files during business hours.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST… REMEMBER THE LEARNING CURVE  The only consistency in technology is change!  Keep an open mind and be teachable about computer culture.